By: Samantha Hovaniec

            Whether you’ve recently been inducted into the National Honor Society, want to boost your college applications, or just have a desire for helping those less fortunate, there are a multitude of ways to fulfill your community service requirements.

            One of the most rewarding forms of community service is volunteering at a nursing home. Spending time doing little things like assisting with Bingo, playing an instrument, or simply visiting with residents – especially over the holidays – is greatly appreciated and treasured by many who have no one else coming to visit them. Campus beautification projects are another easy and direct example of community service. Getting a group together to do things like pick up trash or plant flowers around the KHS campus will not only give you service hours, but also make the school brighter and more enjoyable for everyone.

            Community service doesn’t have to be a negative thing. Volunteer to do something that interests you. If you’re a big reader, volunteer at your public library. If you love animals, sign up to donate your time at a nearby animal hospital or shelter. If kids are your forte, volunteer to read storybooks to children at a local hospital or daycare. Also, start earning your hours early, so you can split your time up into smaller, more manageable and enjoyable shifts instead of long, never ending days crammed full of arduous tasks.

            Remember that community service doesn’t have to be some huge, news worthy deed. Something as simple as volunteering to mow an elderly neighbor’s yard or helping to coach a younger children’s sports league is just as important to the community as any big charity event. Don’t get discouraged if it seems like you’re not accomplishing something very important; there is always someone who appreciates you taking the time to better the community.

            If you’re still stuck on community service ideas, join one of the service clubs at KHS. Clubs like Jooi Club and Key Club are very active in the community, and most of the time you spend doing club projects can count towards your community service hours. Don’t forget that anything you receive monetary compensation for does not qualify, and always document the specific dates and times you work towards your community service requirements. Also, the most important thing to remember is to have a positive attitude. You’ll get out of it what you put into it, so instead of volunteering just for the sake of gaining more hours, make it a rewarding experience that you can carry with you for the rest of your life.